Choose Kindness
It's A Commandment!
We begin the series on kindness today.
Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 22: 34-46
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
8am Service
Gathering Hymn: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
In 1907, when Henry Van Dyke began to draft the text of this well-known hymn, he attributed "any merit it contains...to Beethoven’s soaring and uplifting melody." He was of course referring to Beethoven's ninth symphony: the composer's final complete orchestral masterpiece. In addition to giving a nod to Beethoven, Van Dyke claimed the initial inspiration for Joyful stemmed from a visit as guest preacher to Williams College in Massachusetts, where he was struck by the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains.
While a large body of Beethoven's work remains today in both classical music and pop-culture, this hymn is arguably the most easily-recognizable representation of Beethoven in the sacred repertoire. It is amusing to consider what the genius Beethoven would think of this, considering the ninth symphony was composed as a secular piece of music, while Beethoven's sacred masterpiece Missa Solemnis is less widely-known and is performed infrequently due to the significant complexities of the composition.
If you find this as interesting as I do...do an internet search to learn about the premiere of the ninth symphony and how Beethoven attempted to subvert the Catholic church by slipping in a bit of the Missa Solemnis.
Hymn of the Day: Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
The hymn tune MORECAMBE is an excellent choice for the text of Goerge Croly's Spirit of God, as it provides many opportunities for word painting. Word painting is a compositional approach where the meaning of the text is directly reflected by the supporting musical elements. Examples of this technique can be found in classical works such as Handel's Messiah (the scattering of vocal lines with the text: and we like sheep have gone astray) as well as in modern popular selections such as Billie Eilish's Ilomilo (the music is modified when hurry I'm worried is sung, using an audio effect that evokes a jittery/nervous vibe.)
In the case of our hymn, the word "descend" is appropriately paired with a descending melody, and "strength to me impart" rises melodically, as one who is being strengthened. Can you spot any other word painting?
Sending Hymn: Lord Dismiss Us With Your Blessing
Carry today's message of kindness with you!
10:30am Service
Gathering Song: Gather Us In
May our gathering song allow us to become open to receive the message of the day.
Song of the Day: Step By Step
We never walk alone when we follow Christ's teaching. Each day provides me with numerous opportunities to interact with the people of the world, and leading with love brings me closer to myself, God, and my neighbor.
"I will seek you in the morning and I will learn to walk in Your ways." When I consider what it means to seek God, I begin by zooming out, and remembering all of the things I take for granted that sustain my life on this planet. The sun that shines in the (sometimes cloudy) sky...the Earth and the amazing beauty of nature...the access I have to clean water and air. It is in the seat of gratitude that I find peace and the ability to extend kindness and love to those around me.
Sending Song: Forever
I always love singing this with you--may it be a celebration of our shared love for God and one another today.